Travel Diary - Mauritius and Beachcomber Resorts by Danielle Dry

Welcome to NJT Travel Diaries, where we ask friends in the Not Just Travel community to share their journeys from across the globe.  

Danielle Dry, Business Development Manager at Not Just Travel, recently had the pleasure of visiting Beachcomber’s hotels in Mauritius, each with its own take on paradise. 
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Dear NJT Travel Diary,

I've just returned from an unforgettable trip to the stunning island of Mauritius, where I stayed at several exquisite Beachcomber hotels. As a travel enthusiast, this journey was a dream come true, and I'm excited to share the highlights with you.

We flew out from London Gatwick with Air Mauritius on a 13-hour flight. The in-flight entertainment and service were excellent, making the journey enjoyable.

Upon arrival, we were whisked away by private coach to our first hotel, the Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. The tropical elegance of the resort was immediately apparent as we pulled up to the entrance.

Our Oceanfront Suites were spacious and modern, and their captivating scent instantly soothed and relaxed me. That was a real 'I've arrived' moment!

The Paradis resort offers the best activities for people who love the ocean. The resort is right next to Mauritius' largest lagoon - so if you love snorkelling or diving - you will love Paradis. Plus, there's endless other watersports and sea-going fun to be had.

After settling in, it wasn't long before we were off on our first Mauritius adventure - a speedboat trip in search of dolphins.  Despite a tropical storm, the experience was magical, creating rainbows as the sun broke through the clouds. We learned from our local guides that it's not about waiting for the storm to pass but dancing in the rain.

The evening was delightful! It was hosted by Beachcomber's General Manager, Stephan, at the Mediterranean restaurant Zest. The cheese and mezze boards were delicious, and the tiramisu was a dream (I can still taste it now!). We wrapped up the night with dancing and karaoke, a perfect end to our first day.

Today, we visited the stunning Dinarobin Beachcomber Resort & Spa where we were greeted by breathtaking views of Le Morne Mountain and the turquoise Indian Ocean.

We were fortunate enough to tour the villa suites and senior suites, which are perfect for multi-generational families and groups of friends. These accommodations are spacious and elegantly designed, offering privacy and comfort. Each suite boasts a terrace or balcony with stunning ocean views, making it ideal for both relaxation and social gatherings.

Then we enjoyed lunch at the beachfront restaurant Le Morne Plage, which offers divine fresh seafood and local flavours in a serene atmosphere. The sound of waves provided a perfect backdrop.

A visit to Dinarobin isn't complete without a visit to its spa. Perhaps, Dinarobin's top selling point is its world-class spa facilities. Even with limited time, we looked around, and I was struck by the tranquillity of the place and the professional therapists. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for any treatments, but just being there was a rejuvenating experience in itself!

The exceptional service, stunning accommodations, and breathtaking surroundings make Dinarobin a wellness and spa-day destination worth experiencing. I look forward to returning for a longer stay to fully immerse myself in all that this incredible resort has to offer.

After a wonderful night's sleep at Dinarobin, we grabbed a delicious, nutritious breakfast for the day ahead. We were bound for "La Vallée des Couleurs" Nature Park for an exhilarating morning of zip lining and quad biking.

The landscapes and scenery there were stunning! I will never forget the moment I saw The Seven Coloured Earths - these multi-coloured sand dunes that seem like they're from another planet!
All this, combined with thrilling activities, makes it an absolute haven for nature lovers and people who like to be more active on their holidays.

We zoomed through diverse terrain on quad bikes and soared above the treetops on zip lines, gliding over waterfalls and valleys. It was a day of adventure, thrills, and epic views that I won't forget in a hurry!

Next, it was time to check into the stunning Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. Our private villas with butlers were pure luxury. I could have gotten used to that!

The resort, known as the "most romantic hotel in Mauritius," did not disappoint. Upon arrival, we enjoyed ice-cold mocktails, and our elegant room blended modern comfort with tropical beauty. It was totally idyllic, and the whole vibe screams honeymoon to me.

The highlight was dining at Mahiya, the Indian restaurant, where we had an incredible meal. We also visited Grand Baie's famous "Banana Bar," mixing with locals and enjoying a night of dancing and laughs.

Our evening visit to the Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa was magical. Before enjoying a delightful Mauritius barbecue on the beach, we took a peek at the resort's amenities and accommodations.

I was instantly taken by the luxurious beachfront suites and spacious family villas. The lush tropical gardens, sparkling infinity pools, and serene spa facilities were equally impressive, showcasing the resort's commitment to luxury and relaxation.

But where the Victoria Resort really stands out is in its adults-only section called Victoria for 2.
Here, you swim up to your lavishly adorned room for couples (as the name suggests!). I love, love these rooms, but you need to book early as they always sell fast. I was imagining waking up in the morning, sitting on your terrace, and having a swim in the pool. 

I only saw a glimpse of Victoria, but it was clear that the Victoria for 2 area was perfectly designed for couples to indulge and hide away in their little romantic bubble.  

After our visit around the resort, it was time to chow down on the beachfront with a barbecue featuring freshly caught grilled seafood and meats, and the sunset topped it off very nicely indeed.

We began our day visit to Mauricia with breakfast on the terrace overlooking the bay, where we could see boats, kayaks, and paddleboards slowly making their way around the bay.

Located in the heart of Grand Baie, Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa offers something for everyone but always with luxury. From the stunning beachfront and exciting water sports to the delicious cuisine and relaxing spa treatments, it has everything.

Then, the urge to jump in the sea got too great, so we tried snorkelling, watersports, and paddleboarding.
Once we dried off in the sun, we wandered to the bustling nearby village of Grand Baie - just close enough to walk but far enough not to encroach on the vibe at the resort.

This means guests can make the most of all the things to do, like exploring the lively markets of Grand Baie, embarking on boat trips to nearby islands, or connecting to other adventures to cascading waterfalls, lush botanical gardens, and stunning coral reefs.

Mauricia' location with its blend of luxury and connections, is the perfect Beachcomber if you're looking to explore Mauritius as well as relax and indulge. 

Our next hotel was the prestigious Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. This luxurious retreat blends history with natural beauty, featuring cannons throughout the property.

History is everywhere at this resort, reminding us of a time when this stretch of beach played a crucial role in the island's defence. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Mauritius was a strategic location for colonial powers due to its position in the Indian Ocean. The island changed hands several times between the Dutch, French, and British.

Today, the cannons at Canonnier Beachcomber are just artefacts, offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past. These relics are scattered throughout the resort's lush gardens, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty and luxurious amenities of the property.

I think, with all the nature, history and its superb off the beaten track location, the Canonnier resort is the top pick if you're looking to relax and unwind.

At all Beachcomber Hotels, guests can enjoy a gastronomic journey through their exceptional dine-around options. The dine-around programme allows guests to explore the culinary offerings of multiple Beachcomber Hotels during their stay. Whether staying at Mauricia, Shandrani, Victoria, or Canonnier, guests have the opportunity to dine at any of the participating restaurants across the Beachcomber Hotels network.

This flexibility allows guests to sample a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres, ensuring that every meal is a culinary adventure.

Tonight, we chose to dine for lunch at "Le Navigator". Elegant with stunning ocean views, Le Navigator offers a refined dining experience with its à la carte menu featuring a fusion of local and international flavours. Located on a historical site with breathtaking views of the northern islands, this restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Our final check-in was at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. With its 70 acres of gardens, and access to 3 white sandy beaches, this resort offers guests endless amounts of activities on land and in the sea. This makes it an ideal choice for families, perhaps with teenagers. 

The all-inclusive experience was delightful. We enjoyed various water sports, spa treatments, and evening entertainment, ensuring there was never a dull moment.

I was slightly sad when I checked in at Shandrani Beachcomber Hotel. It was going to be our last night in Mauritius. But thankfully, Shandrani sent us off in style with an all-inclusive experience and a truly enchanting experience that evening, filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, and unforgettable moments. 

The resort went above and beyond to create a magical evening, complete with saris, henna tattoos, live music, and a beach bonfire. The staff helped us drape the saris perfectly, making us feel elegant and festive. To add to the experience, skilled artists applied intricate henna tattoos on our hands, a traditional art form symbolising joy and celebration.

Dressed in our saris and adorned with henna tattoos, we made our way to the beach for an exquisite dinner under the stars. The tables were set up right on the sand, and we were treated to a sumptuous feast featuring a variety of Indian and Mauritian dishes, all bursting with flavour and beautifully presented.
As we enjoyed our meal, the air was filled with the sounds of talented musicians playing traditional instruments, creating a captivating and soulful soundtrack for the evening.

After dinner, the festivities continued with lively dancing around a beach bonfire. The warmth of the fire, the rhythmic beats of the music, and the camaraderie of fellow guests created a joyous and unforgettable celebration.

All good things must come to an end, but I wish I could have stayed a few extra nights.

Happy travels!

Danielle
Business Development Manager at NJT

Thanks, Danielle, for sharing your amazing trip to Mauritius. If you want to find out more about an escape to Mauritius and Beachcomber of your own, I can answer any questions you may have.

I work closely with Beachcomber and can find out absolutely anything you need to know.
After finding out the finer details of your dream trip to paradise, I can suggest the perfect Beachcomber resort for you.

No call centres, no wait times. Get in touch whenever you want. I are just a WhatsApp, phone call, or email away, ready to answer any holiday questions.

I have unique access to Beachcomber. So by booking through me, you might enjoy perks like complimentary upgrades or low deposits, adding more value to your holiday. Just ask.

Leave the logistics to me! I handle everything from flights and check-ins to days out like a visit to the La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park. This means you get to focus on looking forward to your holiday while I take care of the details.

I also assist with flights, pre-flight hotel stays, car parking, and travel insurance. This means all aspects of your trip are coordinated, providing a seamless travel experience from start to finish.

Booking your Mauritius escape with me ensures a tailored, stress-free, and value-packed holiday. The best part is you get all of the extra services at no extra cost.

To find out more, drop me a line to arrange a chat, or give me a call.